~*~
Benjamin guided the team into the clearing. He spied Ruth Ann perched on that same rock overhanging the creek. Why had she gone ahead without him? This didn’t bode well for the answer he wanted to his proposal. May Your will be done, Lord.
She waved.
“Hello, sweetheart.” He fastened the brake and tethered the team to a low branch then grabbed the blanket and picnic basket from the back of the wagon. “I was surprised to hear you’d gone ahead.”
She smiled. “I wanted to save us a good spot.”
“Your eyes are red.” His stomach tightened. “Have you been crying?”
“Only a smidge. I was lonely without you.” She stretched up on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Let me take the basket while you spread the blanket.”
He doubted her excuse, but he also wasn’t sure he wanted to know why she’d been crying either. Not when he was hoping to hear she would become his bride.
He pointed to her grassy feet. “I see you’ve been enjoying the creek without me again.”
Ruth Ann wiggled her toes. “I can’t deny it. Want to join me?”
“Don’t mind if I do.” He plopped down and removed his boots and socks then took her hand and headed in the direction of the water.
After only a few steps, she resisted. “Wait a minute. If I didn’t know you better I’d think you were a city slicker, Ben Coulter.”
He wrinkled his brow and looked at the clothes he wore. Not his usual work pants, but not his Sunday best either. “What’s wrong with my clothes?”
“Nothing.” She stooped and rolled up Benjamin’s pant legs. “But any country boy worth his salt knows to roll up his britches before wading in the creek.”
Grinning, she straightened to her full height. “You have hairy feet.”
He glanced at her toes, peeking out beneath the hem of her blue skirt. “I’m glad you don’t.”
He slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. His lips grazed her cheek, not once, but several times as they inched forward on their quest to secure her lips with his own.
She shoved her hands between them. “Please don’t.”
He nodded and released her, his heart pinching in his chest. Just when he thought perhaps he’d misunderstood her earlier tears. But now, the hope of her acceptance seemed more dismal than ever.
She tugged on his hand. “Did you hear that?”
“What?”
“It sounded like a whimper coming from over there near your wagon.”
“I didn’t hear anything. Come on. Let’s go wading.” He led her toward the creek bank.
She stopped just a few feet shy of the water. “Listen. There it is again. Don’t you hear it?”
He shook his head.
Twisting her hand free, she picked up her skirts and headed for the wagon. He followed, fast on her heels.
“Oh, Ben, a Corgi puppy!” She lifted the small dog from the wagon and rubbed its soft fur against her cheek. “It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”
He stroked the soft tuft of hair on the pup’s head. “Yeah, she’s pretty darn cute. I hope you don’t mind that she’s slightly deformed.”
Ruth Ann raised the pup above her head, inspecting her. “She looks perfect to me. What’s the matter with her?”
“Look at her ears. One’s up and the other is only half up. And the tip is bent, but she has the most beautiful eyes.”
She lowered the pup to her face, touching its cold, wet nose to her own. “That’s normal. Their ears are floppy when they’re born. They’ll stand up on their own before long. Where did you get her?”
“Joseph and I visited Oak Hill yesterday and picked her out. Mr. Palmer said you were welcome to come back and choose another if she’s not to your liking.”
Ruth Ann’s grin broadened until her smile lighted her entire face. Her dark eyes sparkling. “She’s for me?”
Both dimples. He hadn’t seen that stunning pair in far too long. His throat constricted, making it difficult to form an intelligent sound. “W…uh…She’s…” He kicked a clod of grass with his bare toes then bit back a foul word. “That smarts. I forgot I’d taken my boots off.”
She snickered.
“What I’m trying to say is that I’m hoping she’s for us. But, yes, she’s yours whether you accept my proposal or not.”
“Thank you. This was so thoughtful and speaks to my heart.”
“Better than a library foundation?”
Her eyes softened as she snuggled the pup under her chin. “No comparison.”
Warmth radiated through his chest. Maybe all wasn’t lost. “Let’s take her over to the blanket.”
Yipping and pouncing, the rambunctious canine nipped and tugged at Ruth Ann’s skirts. “No you don’t, little one.”
Ben grabbed a twig from the grass. “Here you go, squirt. Chew on this.”
The pup wedged the stick between her paws and gnawed intently. Before long she yawned and stretched then curled up in Ruth Ann’s lap and fell asleep.
Ruth Ann stroked the pup’s red and white fur. “Did you know the word Corgi means dwarf dog?”
“No, but I can see that with those short stubby legs of hers.”
She chuckled.
He tore a tall blade of grass from its roots, split it, and stuck half between his teeth. No need to entice her. He knew her well enough to know she’d continue without any prodding on his part.
She pointed to the ring of white fur circling the back of the dog’s neck. “Legend has it that a Corgi wandering in the Welsh countryside came upon a maiden who had fallen off her horse. She asked the dog if he would help her get home. He obliged her, and when they reached her castle, the maiden revealed that she was a fairy princess, and for his gallant deed, he would ever be marked with a white fairy saddle so all would know of the Corgi’s noble heart.”
Benjamin grinned. Life with her would never be dull. He reclined on his elbow and removed the stalk from his mouth. “You’re the most fascinating woman I’ve ever met.”
A touch of pink graced her cheeks before she glanced away. The breeze blew a loose curl across her jaw, taunting him to wrap it around his finger. Anxiety plagued him. She’d given no hint as to whether or not she’d accept his proposal. In fact, she seemed oblivious to the fact that she owed him an answer about their future. If she said yes, they could begin planning their life together—right now. But what if her answer was no? Indecision might not be so bad after all.
Buck up, Coulter and just ask.
He retrieved a coin from his pocket and offered it to her. “Penny for your thoughts?”
She smiled and took the penny. “What would you like to know?”
Benjamin held her gaze, hoping he’d have this privilege for the rest of his life. He suppressed the uncertainty constricting his voice. “Will you be my bride?”
Moisture pooled in her dark eyes.
Piercing pain gripped him, puncturing his heart. How would he ever recover? Air creaked from his lungs, bottling in his chest.
Tears streaked her cheeks.
He took her hand in his, probably for the last time. His thumb caressed her soft skin. “I suppose some things can’t be fixed with an ‘I’m sorry.’ I know it doesn’t make any sense, but I still need to hear you say it, Ruthie.”
Her crying escalated into shoulder-shaking sobs, garbling her words. “God s-said…you…I…to…m-m…you.”
Benjamin stared lovingly at the hand he had hoped would adorn his grandmother’s ring. Why had he let a momentary fascination with Rose Martin ruin everything? He’d never forgive himself. “I want you to know that I’ll always love you, Ruthie, but as I promised, I won’t bother you anymore. You are free to marry Thornton with no further interference from me.”
Her breath hitched as she struggled to find her voice. “B-But...I w-want you…to bother me.”
His brows furrowed as he cocked his head to the side.
“G-God told me…you’re His…best for me.”
/>
He leaned closer. “What are you saying, Ruthie?”
“I’m saying…I love you…and…I…I want to be your wife.”
Benjamin sprung to his knees and grasped Ruth Ann by the shoulders. “Then goodness gracious, woman, why are you crying?”
“They’re h-happy tears…because I l-love you…and I-I can’t fight it anymore.”
“Happy tears?” He pulled her into a tight embrace. “Ruthie, you scared me near to death.”
She dabbed her nose with the handkerchief she’d tucked inside her sleeve. “S-sorry.”
“Dry those eyes of yours. We’ve got celebrating to do.” He kissed her forehead then swiped the pup from her lap. “If you’ll set out the food, I’ll take her to the privy.”
She chuckled. “Privy?”
Benjamin crouched behind some bushes and removed a tiny green velvet bag from his pocket. He untied the gold string and dumped the contents into the palm of his hand. Thank You, God for giving me the desires of my heart! Help me to be the man she deserves. He tied his grandmother’s pearl ring to the red ribbon around the dog’s neck then kissed her head. “You’re too cute for your own good.”
He placed the pup next to Ruth Ann on the blanket. “She feels much better now that she’s made water.”
Ruth Ann grinned and handed him a plate.
“Thanks. I’m famished.” Benjamin stuffed a deviled egg into his mouth.
She stretched her arm and pointed to the edge of his lips. “You have a smidge of egg on the corner of your mouth.”
He waggled his brows. “Why don’t you get that for me?”
She lifted a cloth to his mouth.
“Nope, no napkins allowed.”
“Well, how am I supposed to…oh.”
A devilish grin spread across her pretty face. She leaned forward, her mouth hovering inches from his. “It would be my pleasure.”
Anticipating her kiss, Benjamin closed his eyes and moistened his lips. She was coming to him. Warm, stale breath preceded the slobbery tongue bathing his face. His eyelids flew open as he swiped the back of his hand across his mouth. “Bleck. Dog kisses?”
“Well, you said no napkins, so I was left to my own devices.”
“Why you little…” Benjamin grabbed Ruth Ann, tickling her waist.
She giggled and attempted to return the torture. “It’s not a fair fight. You’re not ticklish.”
“You’re right, but I’ll stop if you kiss me.”
“Okay, you rogue. You win. I’ll kiss you.” She leaned across Benjamin’s chest and pressed her lips tenderly against his. Pulling back, she lowered her gaze, her mouth curving into a shy smile.
Their kiss was way too brief for Benjamin’s liking. Sighing, he tucked a stray curl behind her ear. How could he ever have thought she was anything less than beautiful?
~*~
Ruth Ann lifted her eyes, quivering as Benjamin’s fingers grazed her jaw. “How soon will you be leaving for Snickers Gap?”
“I’m not.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re not?”
“Seems the W&OR is finally out of funds. The line will end at Round Hill.”
She squeezed his hand. “But you’ll never get your chance to take it over the mountain.”
He shrugged. “That’s all right. I’ll be closer to you, and I can study for my certification exam in September.”
“We won’t be heading west until then?”
He shook his head. “I hope you’re not disappointed, but I told Mr. Farrell that I’d finish the line to Round Hill.”
“Well that won’t take long. It can’t be more than three miles from here.”
He shook his head. “The Virginia Creeper is living up to her name. With financing dwindling, they’ve already let go more than half the crew. They’re not expecting to open the station until December.”
“December?”
“Is that a problem?”
She tugged her bottom lip with her teeth. “No. It’s just…where will we live?”
He scraped the back of his neck. “I hadn’t given that any thought.” His gaze shifted to meet hers, eyes twinkling. “Didn’t really have any reason to—until now.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. “I suppose we could leave things the way they are until then.”
Benjamin glanced at the pup still sleeping in Ruth Ann’s lap before setting his plate on the blanket.
His eyes swept over her, and she gulped. She hadn’t seen that cat-that-had-eaten-the-cream look in his eyes since their first kiss at the old homestead.
He removed the plate from her jittery hands and leaned closer. “Why on earth would I want to continue with our current arrangements when you’ve finally agreed to be my wife?”
Ruth Ann shrugged. If her cheeks were warm before, then they must be flaming now.
Benjamin cradled her face in his hands and gently tugged her close as his thumb brushed her lips. “It won’t be a terribly long engagement, will it?”
“No,” she whispered, her mouth hovering near his. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
“Me, either.”
His arms slid around her, pulling her close. Tender lips consumed hers, savoring her as if she were a rare and precious gift. Soft words tickled her ear. “I love you, Ruthie.”
She blinked back tears threatening to creep from the corners of her eyes as she laced his fingers with her own.
He cocked his head, brows furrowed. “What are you thinking?”
Staring into his golden-brown eyes, Ruth Ann barely believed she sat poised to entrust her heart to him again. Never would she have imagined that possible a few months ago—even a few days ago for that matter. “That we’ll get to do this for the rest of our lives.”
His free hand slipped behind her neck, drawing her forward.
A cold, wet nose wiggled itself between them.
She stifled a grin as disappointment etched Benjamin’s handsome face. “I guess someone is jealous and looking for attention. We need a name for her.”
“How about Zeus?”
She cradled the dog in her arms, stroking her white belly. “Oh, be serious, Ben. She’s a girl, and she’s not a German shepherd.”
“Athena?”
Ruth Ann gave him a gentle nudge.
“Okay, how about a character from one of your favorite novels?”
She tilted her head. He might just be on something. “Like what?”
Benjamin rubbed his jaw. “Josephine, from Little Women. You can call her Jo.”
Ruth Ann stared at the pup for a moment then wrinkled her nose.
“What about Darcy, from Pride and Prejudice?”
“Darcy was a man, but it might work.” She tapped her finger against her jaw. “Do you like it, Ben?
He shrugged. “I’d prefer Athena.”
Ruth Ann rolled her eyes in playful exasperation.
He lifted the pup’s chin, examining her. “I’ve got it. Jules. For one of our favorite authors, Jules Verne.”
“Jules is perfect.”
Sunlight sparkled near Jules’ neck. Ruth Ann laid the animal in her lap and examined her coat. Eyes glistening, she gasped. “A ring?”
He kissed her temple. “No more tears today, Ruthie, happy or otherwise. I forbid it.”
“Can you help me untie it please? My hands are shaking.”
Benjamin loosened the knot then slid the ring onto Ruth Ann’s trembling finger.
She bussed his cheek, her mouth loitering longer than necessary against his skin. “It’s lovely,” she whispered. “Thank you.” Lifting her hand, she admired the beautiful pearl.
“It belonged to my grandmother. I hope you don’t mind it being secondhand.”
“I don’t mind. Besides, it’s not secondhand. It’s a family heirloom. And I’m proud to wear it. But after all you’ve shared about your family, I’m surprised to see such a treasure.”
“My grandfather won it in a poker game in the Mexican War. But you should know that ring c
omes with a string attached.”
She quirked a brow.
“You have to agree to travel with me to Pennsylvania to meet my family.”
She held out her hand. “Deal.”
He slipped his arm around her shoulders and tugged her close.
Ruth Ann held his gaze a moment longer, enjoying the intoxicating mix of love and mirth that twinkled in his eyes. She glanced at their hands, fingers threaded and resting in her lap. Only a few months ago destructive phrases from their pasts had collided, tearing them apart. Through prayer, God had changed the way they thought about themselves and each other. He had healed all the old wounds, freeing them to experience the fullness of God’s unconditional love.
A love they would now share with one another as husband and wife.
Weightlessness swept over her as the burdens of the last few months vanished, taking with them any lingering doubts she may have harbored in her heart. She shook her head in awe of the miracle God had done. He had replaced a lifetime of hurt and rejection with His unfailing promise of love and acceptance, and He sealed His promise with Benjamin.
God had not only chosen to heal—He had chosen to restore.
Thank you
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A Love Restored Page 30